[Implementation of a vascular center using preexistent structures]

Whenever the internal reorganization of hospitals demands the implementation of interdisciplinary healthcare concepts in terms of interdisciplinary competence centers, the structural conflicts caused by subordination of autonomous structural units into centralized functional entities will have to be considered and solved. The Dresden University Vascular Center is an example of an interdisciplinary medical center based on a statute setting up binding rules of standing cooperation. In this case, the positive effects of concentration have been utilized, while leaving all structural units involved autonomous. This requires strict separation and transparent allocation of responsibilities and continuous and committed efforts on management and operating levels as described in the statute. Of course, this kind of close collaboration cannot be prescribed but requires permanent commitment to the general objectives as laid down in the statute and their acceptance as personal work goals.